Shane O’Dwyer (Manager, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association)

The ITBA National Hunt Fillies’ Bonus Scheme, now in its third year, is going from strength to strength. There were 26 individual winners in 2014, that grew to 48 in 2015 and we estimate there will be about 75 in 2016. HRI has always been a great supporter of the Scheme and we are delighted they have agreed to underwrite it for €100,000. The estimated premiums to be paid out could reach in excess of €350,000. This along with the vastly improved programme for mares over the last few years highlight HRI’s commitment to National Hunt fillies.

John Weld (Chairman, Association of Irish Racehorse Owners)

We are so pleased the Government has shown enough interest in racing to continue to support it positively. We are also delighted that most of the increased contribution has gone to prize money, and especially to placed horses. Hopefully this will help to stem the reduction in owner numbers that hase been evident for the last seven years and also help to make many races more attractive competitively.

Sarah McNicholas (Chief Executive, Irish Equine Centre)

We really welcome the increased funding from HRI and the Foal Levy Committee and would particularly like to thank Joe Keeling and Brian Kavanagh for the personal interest and support they have shown for the Equine Centre. The last few years have been exceedingly tough financially and this revised funding model for the Equine Centre means that we can continue to provide a world class service to Irish breeders and trainers. We are looking forward to 2016 with renewed optimism and will be expanding our efforts beyond disease management and surveillance, with investments in equine nutrition and environment testing and forensics research. We want to make the Irish Equine Centre a centre of excellence in all aspects of equine health, and this extra funding is a huge boost towards achieving that goal.

John Moloney (Chairman, Association of Irish Racecourses)

Racecourses should be very pleased with the budget. HRI continues to invest in racecourses through the Capital Development Fund. It’s encouraging to see Punchestown announce development plans, the Curragh project is on track, and Leopardstown and others have already published their plans. The prize money increase is also important as I believe money attracts the best horses and that brings racegoers. We saw that this year in Galway where the Plate and Hurdle saw a jump in quality. Owners and trainers used to protect their horses’ marks for Galway - not they have to get their handicap marks up just to get a run in the big races.

Keith Rowe (RACE Director)

We’re delighted to see that HRI has recognised that there is a need to invest in a sustained way in the areas of education and training. It’s something which is badly needed across all sectors of the industry. They are talking about setting up a €300,000 training and education fund which is showing leadership to the industry. If we are to continue to be recognised as world class we have to catch up in these areas. Education and training is a pillar of the industry and has traditionally given us a competitive edge. That has been eroded in recent years and it requires significant investment over the next number of years.

Michael Grassick (Chief Executive, Irish Racehorse Trainers Association)

We certainly welcome the extra prize money and it’s good to see it being distributed from the top to the bottom. I think we always need to be mindful of the cost of competing in racing. It’s great when you are winning prize money but it’s expensive to stay in when you are not. Joe Keeling and the HRI board have listened to us and reduced costs. We thank them for taking on board some of our recommendations.